This has alerted Gremio, who feel they can resurrect the 26-year-old's career back in Brazil.

Flamengo are also watching developments and they failed to sign Anderson, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Fiorentina, because they could not agree a fee with United and terms with the former Porto man.

Anderson, signed from Portuguese side Porto for £27million in 2007, told Brazilian radio that he is open to a move back to his homeland, with boyhood club Gremio his preferred option.

"There's always the possibility of returning to Grêmio," he told Radio Bandeirantes. "It's my home and I still support them – everyone knows that. It would allow me to be near my family."

Anderson also revealed that the Porto Alegre club have shown interest in the past but were never able to tie up a deal.

"I've spoken to them before but it never reached the point of a [concrete] offer," he continued. "I was close to moving before I went to Fiorentina. I was prepared to take a pay cut but the club didn't get back to me on that occasion.”